This Webconference will focus on the role of palliative care in reducing hospital readmissions. Russell Portenoy, M.D., Chairman of the Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, Beth Israel Medical Center and Chief Medical Officer of MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care, will provide an overview of the issue, and discuss both hospital-based and community-based innovations to enhance palliative care and reduce readmissions. Additionally, Joan Faro, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Medical Services, John T. Mather Memorial Hospital, will describe their palliative care program with a particular focus on education and engagement of both palliative and non-palliative care providers. Bruce Naughton, M.D, Head, Division of Geriatric Medicine and Palliative Care at SUNY/Buffalo and Medical Director for Palliative Care, Catholic Health System Buffalo, will speak to palliative care as being “advanced illness management” that assists the chronically ill to maximize quality of life, and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.